Nashville SC Shuts-Out Seattle Sounders 1-0 In 2022 Season Opener

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Nashville SC Captain Dax McCarty. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC/MLS

Nashville Soccer Club made a huge statement beating Seattle Sounders FC 1-0 in the 2022 season opener on Sunday (Feb. 27) in Seattle.

In its third MLS season, and first in the Western Conference, the Boys in Gold announced their presence as they held their own against league favorites Seattle. As the first of seven-straight away matches which will test NSC’s strength and endurance, the early win will boost the confidence of the team going forward.

“I’m not sure if I could have wish for an awful lot more than I saw tonight from the guys,” said Nashville head coach Gary Smith in a postgame press conference. “[There was a] little bit of an adaptation to the way that we played. Certainly for half the season last year and through the majority of preseason they’ve taken on a lot of information and they applied it wonderfully well today. It was absolutely vital that we broke up the rhythm of this very talented group, especially at home.”

The Coyotes started off the game with consistent attacking from its offense and string passing, as well as containment from its midfield defense. Team captain Dax McCarty, entering his 16th season in MLS, was one of the keys to holding Seattle’s explosive offense at bay.

2021 MVP finalist Hany Mukhtar showed off his skills with a few chances early on, leading both teams with three shots and three key passes made. Goalkeeper Joe Willis had a great game, saving four shots on goal and picking up his first clean sheet of the season.

Pictured: Nashville SC supporters group “The Roadies” in Seattle cheering on NSC in the season opener in Seattle. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC/MLS

“In tight, very well matched games, there is never going to be loads of clear cut chances,” Smith added.”The fact we limited them to two efforts on goal here in their own stadium is remarkable really.”

It wasn’t until the 80th minute when Panama native Anibal Godoy netted the first and only goal of the game with complete composure. His goal, assisted by Randall Leal, captured a crucial three points to open the season.

“He’s an experienced guy. He’s made over 100 appearances for his country. He’s certainly aware and appreciative of the work he needs to get through in the positions he needs to pick up. We benefit massively from what those three guys have given the team tonight, along with some other incredible performances,” summed Smith.

The club heads back to Nashville before hitting the road again to face Minnesota United on Saturday, March 5 at 5 p.m.

Nashville SC will play its first home game at the new Nashville SC Stadium at the fairgrounds on May 1.

Steven Boero
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